South KoreaHow do I apply to the Housing Lease Dispute Mediation?
You can apply to the Housing Lease Dispute Mediation Committee by submitting a written application to the local committee office, either in person, by mail, or online via the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (KLAC) portal.
What the Law Says
The Housing Lease Dispute Mediation Committee is established under the Act on the Protection of Housing Leasers and Regulation of Housing Leasing, which provides a fast, free, and accessible alternative to court for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants.
Any party to a housing lease agreement—including tenants, subtenants, or landlords—may file an application for mediation if a dispute arises over rent, deposit (jeonse), contract renewal, eviction, or other lease-related matters.
The application must be submitted in writing and include basic information: names and addresses of both parties, a summary of the dispute, supporting documents (e.g., lease contract, payment records), and the relief sought.
The Committee must begin mediation within 15 days of receiving a complete application and conclude it within 30 days—unless extended with consent of both parties.
Statutory TextA party to a housing lease may file an application for mediation with the Housing Lease Dispute Mediation Committee regarding disputes arising from the lease.
— Act on the Protection of Housing Leasers and Regulation of Housing Leasing, s. 24 — Mediation Application
Statutory TextThe Committee shall commence mediation proceedings within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the application and conclude mediation within thirty days.
— Act on the Protection of Housing Leasers and Regulation of Housing Leasing, s. 26 — Period for Mediation
What to Do
Prepare your application: include personal details, lease contract copy, evidence (e.g., bank transfer records for deposit), and clear statement of the issue.
Submit online via the Korea Legal Aid Corporation (KLAC) Housing Mediation Portal (https://housing.klac.or.kr) or in person/by mail to your local Housing Lease Dispute Mediation Committee office.
Wait for confirmation: KLAC will notify you within 15 days whether your application is accepted and schedule mediation.
Attend the mediation session: it is voluntary but highly encouraged; outcomes are not binding unless both parties sign a settlement agreement.
If mediation fails, you may still file a lawsuit—but the mediation record may be used as evidence in court.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.